Author: On Common Ground News

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA—An inmate has died after having a medical emergency in a maximum-security unit at the Gwinnett County Jail, the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office said. Authorities said Phillip Antwon Munroe was found unresponsive in his cell on Jan. 27 around 2:30 a.m. during a routine security check. Sheriff’s deputies immediately administered aid, and treatment was continued by medical staff until Emergency Medical Services arrived on the scene and pronounced Munroe deceased.  Munroe was arrested on July 6, 2022 on charges of Aggravated Assault, Robbery, Hijacking a Motor Vehicle, and Battery.  The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) is investigating the…

CONYERS, GA– The Rockdale County Board of Education(BOE) will hold three public hearings on House Bill 581 during the next few weeks to allow stakeholders the opportunity to share their opinions on whether to opt out.  While the language of the official public notice of the hearings indicates intent to opt out as required by the statute, it is important to note that ultimately the vote on the resolution to opt out will be solely determined by the collective action of the Rockdale County Board of Education. A majority vote for the resolution to opt out would result in the Board…

DECATUR, GA- DeKalb County Government invites residents to a series of Water Rate Town Hall Meetings hosted and moderated by DeKalb CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson. The meetings will provide an opportunity for the community to discuss the proposed water rate increase and gain insights directly from county leadership. Cochran-Johnson, along with an expert Water Discussion Panel, will guide the conversation, address community questions, and provide clarity on the future of water services in DeKalb County. The panel will include: Maria Houser, Esq., Director – CIP and Environmental Compliance Zach Williams, Chief Operating Officer Robert Ryall, VP & Director of Financial Services, Arcadis…

DECATUR, GA – The DeKalb County Tax Commissioner’s Office recently began mailing more than 29,400 letters to homeowners about homestead exemptions for the 2025 tax year. “We’re informing homeowners who may be eligible for a senior exemption, as well as new homeowners who do not have a basic homestead exemption, to apply before the April 1 deadline,” said DeKalb County Tax Commissioner Irvin Johnson. “Now is the time to check your exemption status and apply to avoid delays.” A homestead exemption significantly reduces the amount of annual property taxes homeowners owe on their legal residence. Special exemptions are additional tax savings…

STONECREST, GA—On Sunday, Feb. 2, New Birth Missionary Baptist Church Pastor Jamal H. Bryant delivered a passionate sermon calling on the “conscientious Christian community” across the country to join a 40-day fast from Target. The fast,  coincides with Lent, which begins on March 4 and will last until April 16, marking a period of prayer and fasting in the Christian church.  The nationally-known pastor blasted several corporations that have announced their stance against Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, particularly Target, which he said is backing away from its commitment DEI. DEI programs, which were introduced in 1965 under President…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA—The Gwinnett County Board of Education (BOE) has decided to cut ties with Superintendent Calvin J. Watts, who became the first black superintendent of Georgia’s largest school district when he was appointed in July 2021.  The decision to end Watts’ contract, effective April 1, 2025, came after a special executive session on Friday, Jan. 31, in which the board voted 3-2 to terminate his leadership early. His contract was set to expire in July 2026.  The board did not state a reason for Watts’ termination with  BOE Chair Adrienne Simmons only  saying that new leadership is needed to move the school district forward.  Simmons and board…

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA – A Gwinnett County jury found a Lilburn man guilty of sexually assaulting an acquaintance at gunpoint after a jealous encounter. Santos Edgardo Amaya-Bonilla, 52, was convicted of three counts of rape, five counts of aggravated sodomy, and two counts of aggravated assault for incidents that occurred in March 2020. He was sentenced to two consecutive life prison terms.  “The victim of the defendant’s criminal acts received justice,” Gwinnett District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson said. “The jury returned a verdict in under an hour to give this victim the justice she deserves.” On March 24, 2020, Santos Edgardo Amaya-Bonilla went to the victim’s…

STONECREST, GA – As corporations and federal agencies scale back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) commitments, New Birth Missionary Baptist Church Senior Pastor  Jamal Harrison Bryant is stepping forward with a bold national response. On Sunday, Feb. 2, at 9:30 a.m., Dr. Bryant will deliver a high-impact announcement outlining a strategic push to counteract these rollbacks and protect resources for historically marginalized communities. This critical address will take place during New Birth’s widely viewed Sunday service, available for live streaming on YouTube (@newbirthmbc1).  New Birth is located at 6400 Woodrow Rd. in Stonecrest.